What Does RSVP Mean? (And Other Invitation Etiquette Questions)

Who knew four little letters could cause so much strife? If you’re wondering about how to address an invitation, what to write in your RSVP response, or just want to know what those four letters even mean, we’ve got you covered.

We tapped some entertaining experts from Zola and Minted to answer some of the most common questions you might have about RSVPs and invitations:

What does RSVP mean?

It’s an initialism used to abbreviate the French phrase “répondez s’il vous plaît,” which simply means “please respond.”

But Heather Lee, Managing Editor at Minted, insists there is a little more nuance to the term that’s left unsaid: “What [RSVP] really means is ‘Please respond to the host either way, whether you can attend or not.'”

How do you use RSVP in a sentence?

Just something like “RSVP by October 1.” Keep it simple and to the point—that’s what wedding expert Jennifer Spector, Director of Brand at Zola, recommends. If you’re hosting a more formal event, Spector suggests more elegant wording like “Kindly RSVP by the first of October.”

Do you say “Please RSVP” or just “RSVP”?

You do not need to add the word “please” before RSVP, since the term already translates to “please respond.” It’s like saying ATM machine or PIN number.

What does the “M” stand for on an RSVP card?

The “M” is where you fill in your preferred prefix, followed by your name. So you complete the line with “Mr. Smith” or “Mrs. Jones.”

But if you’re designing an invitation, Spector suggests that you might want to drop this tradition: “I am personally a fan of RSVP cards that don’t have an ‘M’ because not everybody has a title that starts with an ‘M,’ like my mother who is a ‘Dr.'”

Wedding planning? Here’s a brilliant RSVP tip from Zola’s Jennifer Spector: “One trick is to write a small number on the back of every RSVP card you send out, and keep your own spreadsheet of who received which number,” she says. “I’ve heard many stories where people forgot to write their name on the RSVP card, and this way you’ll know exactly who the card came from. When I was planning my wedding one of my friends sent me back an RSVP card without a name, and instead of checking attending or not attending, she wrote maybe. That was a big faux pas, but at least I knew who to call because of those little numbers.”

What do you say when you RSVP?

You should reply in the same way you were invited, whether that’s a text or a formal response card, unless the host specifies otherwise. As a guest, you just need to provide a few details: how many people will be attending, their names, and, in the case of some weddings or more formal events, specify your meal choice. Spector adds: “You should also never assume that you’ve been given a plus one if your invitation does not clearly say ‘and guest.’ Instead of RSVPing for two, reach out to the host if you are super unclear.”

Spector also suggests that it’s fun to add a little flair to let the host know how excited you are to attend the event: “Even when I send in a wedding RSVP and there is only a space for my name and meal choice I try to write a short note and doodle something,” she says. For a casual event or a party at home, Spector adds “you might also want to offer to bring something or ask if there is anything you can do to help prepare, but beware that if you ask the host might really take you up on your offer.”

Do you RSVP if you’re not attending?

Yes, always. If the host requests a response, it’s because they need to know how many people are coming. Responding to say you can’t make it is more helpful than no response at all. As Spector says, “it’s worse to leave them wondering.”

“This is a courtesy to your host,” says Lee, “so he or she can get an accurate headcount in order to know how many plates to set out, how much food to buy, rental items to order, and—in the case of a wedding or catered event—how many ‘heads’ they will be paying for.”

What does “RSVP, regrets only” mean?

That you only need to reply if you cannot attend. If the host doesn’t hear back, they’ll assume you’ll be there. “I’ve only seen this for more casual events like happy hours and brunch mingles,” says Spector.

What if you need to change your RSVP?

If you’re not sure if you can attend or not, Spector says it’s totally OK to wait to respond to an invitation, as long as you’re following the RSVP deadline and replying on time. If you have unsettled commitments that mean you can’t provide a firm response by the deadline, Spector says the courteous thing to do is to let the host know where you (un-firmly) stand right away. “Don’t leave your friend hanging!”

And if something comes up and your RSVP status changes after the deadline? “It happens!” Spector says. “Let the host know as soon as possible.”

Apartment Therapy supports our readers with carefully chosen product recommendations to improve life at home. You support us through our independently chosen links, many of which earn us a commission.

Welcome to pushup24.com

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Sponsors for Needed Phoebe’s Pageant Fund

Phoebe was invited and attended an open call for National American Miss on May 18th. After being interview by the committee she was chosen as one of New Jersey's state finalist. Our next step for Phoebe to proceed is attaining sponsors. As we all know times are tough however, she would appreciate any amount you would be able to contribute. Phoebe is very excited to represent her state in August. The pageant goals are for her to gain poise and self-confidence, practice speaking in front of a live audience, and become actively involved in her community. All donations are tax deductible for businesses as an advertising expense. All sponsors will be listed in the state year book. Thank you for your time whether you chose to sponsor or not. The Armstead Family Help spread the word!